WA on back foot over stadium costs

The West Australian government’s sporting credentials have been called into question before an announcement next month about whether it will build a major new AFL arena.

A soccer and rugby stadium project has suffered a 10 per cent cost blowout before construction has even begun.

There are also signs the troubled $536 million indoor Perth Arena – the future home of the Hopman Cup tennis tournament – is still plagued by design and construction problems.

Amid a looming sports-venue boom, the state government’s midyear economic review, released last month, revealed the cost of rebuilding Perth’s rectangular stadium, home to the Perth Glory soccer team and rugby’s Western Force, had jumped by 10 per cent.

The work was originally expected to cost $80 million and be completed in mid-2013.

Sports Minister
Terry Waldron
said the extra money secured much-needed work on the pitch and lighting at the proposed 25,000-seat venue. Temporary seating is being used until the work is completed.

Construction will take about 16 months, and building is expected to begin in 2012.

“This is just the first step in ensuring Western Australia has the right infrastructure to watch elite-level rectangular sporting competition like rugby union, soccer and rugby league," Mr Waldron said.